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posted October 28, 2018by Jane Leaver

Very sadly, Traidcraft announced at the beginning of October that it is in financial difficulties and will probably have to cease trading at the end of this year 2018. It made a loss of £500,000 last year. The reasons it gives are: declining church attendance, eight years of austerity and Brexit which has led to a fall in the value of the pound and put up the cost of buying the products it sells. Closing down the business will be devastating to the income of many of the thousands of impoverished workers principally in Africa, Asia and Latin America, some of whom have only got access to markets through Traidcraft.

Traidcraft is on the brink, but their Chief Executive Officer says that closure is not a foregone conclusion. A lot depends on sales this autumn and in the run-up to Christmas. Strong sales and an upturn in trade could make possible the restructuring of the business. The company is also consulting on its future which may bring some fresh ideas to help save it.

Place an order this autumn and in the run-up to Christmas from the Traidcraft winter and Christmas catalogues 2018. You can order through the shop, from Maria Nwanwene, or online at https://www.traidcraftshop.co.uk